honoring service & sacrifice the flagpole...robert gates and army chief of staff general george...

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Always the highlight of the Hall of Fame Luncheon is the introduction of the Hall of Fame Inductees. In keeping with the tradition of inducting Army women and groups of women that have blazed the trail for those behind them, the Foundation selected “Female Firsts: Women Who Broke Barriers.” This year the Foundation posthumously inducted Sergeant Major Carolyn James and Command Sergeant Major Yzetta Nelson, the first female Sergeant Major and the first female Command Sergeant Major, respectively. Also honored was General (Ret) Ann Dunwoody, the first female four-star general. In addition to the individual honorees, the Foundation recognized the accomplishments and extraordinary service of the Women Who Served in the Korean War. Sergeant Major Carolyn James (1910-1991) joined the Army in 1945. In 1952, she was one of the first WACs assigned to Korea during the war. During her tour in Korea, she was the secretary to Gen. James Van Fleet, commander of the 8th Army forces. They both served under the command of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. SGM James became the first in the WAC promoted to grade E-8. Therefore, she was the first WAC promoted to master sergeant (or first sergeant). In 1960, she was the first WAC promoted to sergeant major, E-9, while assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Defense Command, Colorado Springs. She died May 8, 1991 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Command Sergeant Major Yzetta Nelson (1923- 2011) faithfully served her country for 26 years. In 1968, while assigned to the WAC Training Battalion, she became the first WAC to achieve the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Upon retirement from the military, she continued her involvement and leadership in the Women's Army Corps. She died May 14, 2011 at Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Sergeant Major of the Army (Ret) Ken Preston accepted the award on behalf of SGM James and CSM Nelson. SMA Preston served as the 13th Sergeant Major of the Army and is distinguished as being the longest serving SMA with more than seven years in the position. General Ann Dunwoody was the first woman in U.S. military and uniformed service history to achieve a four-star officer rank, receiving her fourth star on November 14, 2008. In 2005, Gen Dunwoody became the Army's top- ranking female when she received the promotion to lieutenant general and became the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 (logistics). She was nominated as Commanding General, U.S. Army Materiel Command, by President George W. Bush on June 23, 2008, and confirmed by the Senate one month later. On November 14, 2008, Gen Dunwoody became the first woman in U.S. military history to achieve the rank of four-star General. Her promotion ceremony was held at the Pentagon, with introductory speeches by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey. (continued on page 4) Honoring Service & Sacrifice Spring 2013 The Newsletter of the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Volume LXIV No. 1 The Flagpole With pride, I can report to you that we have had another successful six months since my last update to you. We continue to expand our outreach opportunities and thus the work of the Foundation. We are helping more Army women and their children fulfill their education goals. We are building more relationships with corporate America, and we continue to strengthen our relationships with our fellow military groups who share our principles. None of this is possible without your support, and I am truly grateful for it. A few weeks ago, during Women’s History Month, we held our annual Women in Transition Symposium and Hall of Fame Luncheon in Washington, D.C. It was a wonderful event. We appreciate the support of our sponsors, guest speakers, panel members, participants, and our staff. With our board’s strong support, we expanded the number and types of scholarships we awarded. Nineteen Army women and ten of their children received help to advance their education. For the first time, scholarships were awarded for certificate programs. Our symposium panelists shared sound, practical advice about transitioning to jobs in or out of the Army. Our Hall of Fame luncheon honored women who broke barriers and the women who served in Korea, often called the “Forgotten War.” We paid tribute to these soldiers just days after the passing of the last surviving female POW from World War II, Mildred Dalton Manning. An Army nurse, she was one of the “Angels of Bataan and Corregidor.” The stories of these brave and accomplished women underscore the importance of the Foundation’s mission: to honor women who served in the Army and preserve their history. To that end, we are following the advice of a long-time friend. At our inaugural symposium four years ago, Lt. Gen. (Ret) John “Mike” McDuffie emphasized the importance of networking to further one’s reach and advance a career. He was addressing a group of Army women who were transitioning to other jobs or would do so in the future. We applied that advice on an organizational level to further the Foundation’s reach. We are growing and leveraging our relationships. Last fall, for example, we supported the Army Nurse Corps Association at their October meeting in San Antonio. We again exhibited at the Association of the US Army annual meeting and convention. We continue our support to the Army Women’s Museum at Fort Lee and provide financial support for specific projects they need. Our corporate relationships continue to grow and this year we have begun building a relationship with the Walt Disney Co. Now is a particularly exciting time for women in the military. They will be able to compete for a wider array of jobs and leadership positions. Women will be officially recognized for what they have been doing for centuries: defending our nation. As Gen. (Ret.) Gordon Sullivan reminded us at the Hall of Fame luncheon, British General Lord Cornwallis recognized the contributions of women over 230 years ago, when he observed, “We may destroy all the men in America, and we shall still have all we can do to defeat the women.” Warmest Regards, Dee Ann McWilliams MG, USA (Ret) President, Army Women’s Foundation President’s Message President’s Message 1 Female Firsts 1 From the Executive Director 2 Faces of the Fallen 2 Bronze Memorial Plaque 2 Like Us on Facebook 2 5th Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium 3 5th Annual Hall of Fame Award Luncheon 4 Legacy Scholarships 5 Upcoming Events 6 Giving 6 Inside This Edition 1 Female Firsts: Trailblazers in the U.S. Army MG (Ret) Dee McWilliams, USA, General (Ret) Ann E. Dunwoody, USA, Fred Wacker, Director & COO, The Home Depot Foundation as General Dunwoody accepts the AWF Hall of Fame award.

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Page 1: Honoring Service & Sacrifice The Flagpole...Robert Gates and Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey. (continued on page 4) Honoring Service & Sacrifice Spring 2013 The Newsletter

Always�the�highlight�of�the�Hall�of�Fame�Luncheon

is�the�introduction�of�the�Hall�of�Fame�Inductees.

In�keeping�with�the�tradition�of�inducting�Army

women�and�groups�of�women�that�have�blazed�the

trail� for� those� behind� them,� the� Foundation

selected� “Female� Firsts:� � Women� Who� Broke

Barriers.”��This�year�the�Foundation�posthumously

inducted� Sergeant� Major� Carolyn� James� and

Command�Sergeant�Major�Yzetta�Nelson,�the�first

female� Sergeant� Major� and� the� first� female

Command� Sergeant� Major,� respectively.� Also

honored�was�General� (Ret)�Ann�Dunwoody,� the

first�female�four-star�general.�In�addition�to�the

individual�honorees,�the�Foundation�recognized

the�accomplishments�and�extraordinary�service�of

the�Women�Who�Served�in�the�Korean�War.

Sergeant�Major�Carolyn�James�(1910-1991)�joined

the�Army�in�1945.�In�1952,�she�was�one�of�the�first

WACs�assigned�to�Korea�during�the�war.�During�her

tour�in�Korea,�she�was�the�secretary�to�Gen.�James

Van�Fleet,�commander�of�the�8th�Army�forces.�They

both�served�under�the�command�of�General�of�the

Army�Douglas�MacArthur.�SGM�James�became�the

first�in�the�WAC�promoted�to�grade�E-8.�Therefore,

she�was�the�first�WAC�promoted�to�master�sergeant

(or�first�sergeant).�In�1960,�she�was�the�first�WAC

promoted�to�sergeant�major,�E-9,�while�assigned�to

Headquarters,�U.S.�Army�Air�Defense�Command,

Colorado�Springs.�She�died�May�8,�1991�in�Colorado

Springs,�Colorado.

Command� Sergeant� Major� Yzetta� Nelson� (1923-

2011)�faithfully�served�her�country�for�26�years.�In

1968,�while�assigned�to�the�WAC�Training�Battalion,

she�became� the� first�WAC� to�achieve� the� rank�of

Command�Sergeant�Major.�Upon�retirement�from

the�military,� she� continued� her� involvement� and

leadership�in�the�Women's�Army�Corps.�She�died

May�14,�2011�at�Brooklyn�Center,�Minnesota.�

Sergeant� Major� of� the� Army� (Ret)� Ken� Preston

accepted�the�award�on�behalf�of�SGM�James�and

CSM� Nelson.� SMA� Preston� served� as� the� 13th

Sergeant�Major�of�the�Army�and�is�distinguished�as

being�the�longest�serving�SMA�with�more�than�seven

years�in�the�position.

General�Ann�Dunwoody�was�the�first�woman�in�U.S.

military�and�uniformed�service�history�to�achieve�a

four-star�officer�rank,�receiving�her�fourth�star�on

November�14,�2008.�

In�2005,�Gen�Dunwoody�became�the�Army's�top-

ranking�female�when�she�received�the�promotion�to

lieutenant�general�and�became�the�Army's�Deputy

Chief�of�Staff,�G-4�(logistics).�She�was�nominated�as

Commanding� General,� U.S.� Army� Materiel

Command,�by�President�George�W.�Bush�on�June

23,�2008,�and�confirmed�by�the�Senate�one�month

later.� On� November� 14,� 2008,� Gen� Dunwoody

became�the�first�woman�in�U.S.�military�history�to

achieve� the� rank� of� four-star� General.� Her

promotion�ceremony�was�held�at�the�Pentagon,�with

introductory�speeches�by�U.S.�Secretary�of�Defense

Robert� Gates� and� Army� Chief� of� Staff� General

George�W.�Casey.� (continued on page 4)

Honoring Service & Sacrifice

Spring�2013 The�Newsletter�of�the�U.S.�Army�Women’s�Foundation Volume�LXIV�No.�1

The�Flagpole

With� pride,� I� can� report� to� you� that� we� have� had

another�successful�six�months�since�my�last�update�to

you.� We� continue� to� expand� our� outreach

opportunities�and�thus�the�work�of�the�Foundation.�

We�are�helping�more�Army�women�and�their�children

fulfill� their� education� goals.�We� are� building�more

relationships� with� corporate� America,� and� we

continue� to� strengthen� our� relationships� with� our

fellow�military�groups�who�share�our�principles.

None�of�this�is�possible�without�your�support,�and�I

am�truly�grateful�for�it.

A�few�weeks�ago,�during�Women’s�History�Month,�we

held�our�annual�Women�in�Transition�Symposium�and

Hall�of�Fame�Luncheon�in�Washington,�D.C.�It�was�a

wonderful�event.�We�appreciate� the�support�of�our

sponsors,� guest� speakers,� panel� members,

participants,�and�our�staff.

With�our�board’s� strong� support,�we�expanded� the

number� and� types� of� scholarships� we� awarded.

Nineteen� Army� women� and� ten� of� their� children

received�help�to�advance�their�education.�For�the�first

time,� scholarships� were� awarded� for� certificate

programs.

Our� symposium� panelists� shared� sound,� practical

advice� about� transitioning� to� jobs� in� or� out� of� the

Army.�Our�Hall�of�Fame�luncheon�honored�women

who� broke� barriers� and� the�women�who� served� in

Korea,� often� called� the� “Forgotten�War.”� We� paid

tribute�to�these�soldiers�just�days�after�the�passing�of

the� last�surviving� female�POW�from�World�War�II,

Mildred�Dalton�Manning.�An�Army�nurse,�she�was�one

of�the�“Angels�of�Bataan�and�Corregidor.”�

The�stories�of�these�brave�and�accomplished�women

underscore� the� importance� of� the� Foundation’s

mission:�to�honor�women�who�served�in�the�Army�and

preserve�their�history.�To�that�end,�we�are�following

the�advice�of�a�long-time�friend.

At�our�inaugural�symposium�four�years�ago,�Lt.�Gen.

(Ret)� John� “Mike”� McDuffie� emphasized� the

importance�of�networking�to�further�one’s�reach�and

advance�a�career.�He�was�addressing�a�group�of�Army

women�who�were�transitioning�to�other�jobs�or�would

do� so� in� the� future.�We� applied� that� advice� on� an

organizational�level�to�further�the�Foundation’s�reach.

We�are�growing�and�leveraging�our�relationships.

Last�fall,�for�example,�we�supported�the�Army�Nurse

Corps�Association� at� their�October�meeting� in� San

Antonio.�We�again�exhibited�at�the�Association�of�the

US� Army� annual� meeting� and� convention.� We

continue�our�support�to�the�Army�Women’s�Museum

at�Fort�Lee�and�provide�financial�support�for�specific

projects� they� need.� Our� corporate� relationships

continue�to�grow�and�this�year�we�have�begun�building

a�relationship�with�the�Walt�Disney�Co.�

Now�is�a�particularly�exciting�time�for�women�in�the

military.�They�will�be�able�to�compete�for�a�wider�array

of� jobs� and� leadership� positions.� Women� will� be

officially�recognized�for�what�they�have�been�doing�for

centuries:�defending�our�nation.

As�Gen.�(Ret.)�Gordon�Sullivan�reminded�us�at� the

Hall� of� Fame� luncheon,� British� General� Lord

Cornwallis� recognized� the� contributions� of� women

over� 230� years� ago,� when� he� observed,� “We� may

destroy�all�the�men�in�America,�and�we�shall�still�have

all�we�can�do�to�defeat�the�women.”

Warmest�Regards,

Dee�Ann�McWilliams

MG,�USA�(Ret)

President,�Army�Women’s�Foundation

President’s Message

President’s�Message 1

Female�Firsts 1

From�the�Executive�Director 2

Faces�of�the�Fallen 2

Bronze�Memorial�Plaque 2

Like�Us�on�Facebook 2

5th�Annual�Army�Women�

in�Transition�Symposium 3

5th�Annual�Hall�of�Fame�Award�Luncheon 4

Legacy��Scholarships 5

Upcoming�Events 6

Giving 6

Inside This Edition

1

Female Firsts:Trailblazers in the U.S. Army

MG (Ret) Dee McWilliams, USA,

General (Ret) Ann E. Dunwoody, USA,

Fred Wacker, Director & COO, The Home Depot

Foundation as General Dunwoody accepts the

AWF Hall of Fame award.

Page 2: Honoring Service & Sacrifice The Flagpole...Robert Gates and Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey. (continued on page 4) Honoring Service & Sacrifice Spring 2013 The Newsletter

Spring�2013 The�Flagpole

2

SGT Donna R. Johnson

Sergeant� Donna� R.

Johnson,� 29,� of

Raeford,� NC� died

October� 1,� 2012� in

Khost,� Afghanistan

along� with� two� other

soldiers� of� injuries

suffered� when� an

insurgent�detonated�a

suicide�vest�while�they

were� on� dismounted

patrol.� They� were� all� assigned� to� the� 514th

Military�Police�Company,�60th�Troop�Command,

Winterville,�NC.�

A� total� of� 14� people,� including� an� Afghan

translator� and� 4� Afghan� police� officers,� were

killed�in�the�attack,�when�a�suicide�bomber�drove

his� explosive-laden� motorcycle� into� a� crowd

where�a�joint�U.S.-Afghan�patrol�was�operating.

Three�American�soldiers�and�about�60�Afghan

civilians�were�reported�to�have�been�wounded�in

the�attack.�The�Taliban�contacted�the�Western

media�afterwards�to�take�credit�for�the�carnage.

SGT�Johnson� joined� the�North�Carolina�Army

National� Guard� in� 2006.� She� had� previously

deployed�to�Iraq�from�2007�to�2008.�Staff�Sgt.

Johnson's�awards�and�decorations�included�the

Bronze�Star�Medal�posthumous,�the�Purple�Heart

posthumous,�Army�Commendation�Medal,�Army

Good�Conduct�Medal,�National�Defense�Service

Medal,� Afghanistan� Campaign� Medal� with

Bronze�Service�Star,�Iraq�Campaign�Medal�with

Bronze�Service�Star,�Global�War�on�Terrorism

Service�Medal,�Armed�Forces�Reserve�Medal�with

M� Device,� 2,� Noncommissioned� Officers

Professional�Development�Ribbon,�Army�Service

Ribbon,�Overseas�Service�Ribbon,�NATO�Medal

posthumous,�North�Carolina�Meritorious�Service

Medal� posthumous,� 1,� Combat� Action� Badge,

Driver�and�Mechanic�Badge,�Bar,�Driver-W�(for

wheeled� vehicles),� Combat� and� Special� Skill

Badge� Basic� Marksmanship� Qual� Badge,� Bar,

Weapon:� Rifle� (Inscription:� Rifle),� Expert,

Overseas�Service�Bar,�2.

Donna�leaves�behind��her�spouse,�Tracy�Joe�Dice

of�Raeford;�parents,�Mr.�Philas�Ray�Johnson�and

Mrs.�Sandra�Guiton�Johnson�of�Raeford;�sister,

Rene�Anne�Johnson�Albattrawi�of�Raeford;�and

godchildren,�Jason�and�Hanna.«

CPT Sara M. Knutson CullenCaptain� Sara� M.

Knutson�Cullen,�27,�of

Eldersburg,� MD,� died

March� 11,� 2013� in

Kandahar,�Afghanistan.

She� was� among� five

crew�members� killed

when� their� UH-60

Black�Hawk�helicopter

crashed� while� on� a

training�mission�using

night� vision� goggles.� A� sudden� storm� and

powerful�winds�are�believed�to�be�what�brought

their�chopper�down.

She� was� assigned� to� Headquarters� and

Headquarters� Company,� 3rd�Combat�Aviation

Brigade,� 3rd� Infantry� Division,� Hunter� Army

Airfield,�GA.

Capt.�Knutson,�a�2003�graduate�of�Liberty�High

School�in�Eldersburg,�was�a�law�student�at�West

Point�and�was�also�a�member�of�the�Judo�team.

She� married� a� former� Black� Hawk� pilot� in

November� 2012� and� had� been� serving� in

Afghanistan�for�two�months.�Sara�made�it�clear

to�her�family�that�she�didn’t�join�the�Army�to�sit

behind�a�desk.�She�wanted�to�fly�helicopters�or�be

an�MP.�Her�Mother�received�an�email�from�her

the�night�of�the�crash�saying�“Got�to�go�mom,�got

to�go�fly”.�

She�is�survived�by�her�husband,�Christopher,�and

her�parents�Bill�and�Lynn�Knutson.«

SPC Brittany B. GordonSpecialist� Brittany� B.

Gordon,� 24,� of� St.

Petersburg,� FL.� Died

October� 13,� 2012� in

Kandahar,�Afghanistan,

of� wounds� suffered

when� enemy� forces

attacked�her�unit�with

an�improvised�device.

She� was� assigned� to

the� 572� Military

Intelligence� Company,� 2nd� Stryker� Brigade

Combat�Team,�2nd�Infantry�Division,�Joint�Base

Lewis-McChord,�Washington.

After�high�school,�Gordon,�who�had�expressed

an�interest�in�political�science�and�law,�spent�a

year�at�the�University�of�Florida�before�setting

her�sights�on�a�military�career.�Her�dream�was

to� serve� because� she� wanted� to� make� a

difference.�She�graduated�from�basic�training

in�2010�and�spent�a�year�in�Seattle�before�going

to�Afghanistan.

She�is�survived�by�her�mother�Brenda�Gordon,

and�her� father,�St.�Petersburg�Assistant�Police

Chief�Cedric�Gordon.«

Faces of the Fallen

Are�you�part�of�the�social�media

craze?�If�so,�become�a�fan�of�the

Army�Women’s�Foundation�page

on� Facebook!�We� hope� to� hear

from�you�soon!

The�Bronze�Memorial�Plaque�program�offers�the

opportunity� to� permanently� honor� deceased

members�of�the�Armed�Forces,�their�friends�and

family,�and�the�fallen�heroes�of�current�conflicts

by�placing�their�name�on�a�bronze�plaque�that�is

located�at�the�U.S.�Army�Women’s�Museum�at

Fort�Lee,�Virginia.�Donations�in�any�amount�are

welcome� and� will� be� held� until� the� required

minimum�of�$100�for�the�individual�is�reached.

The� plaques� are� cast� bi-annually,� and� once

completed,� all� proceeds� from� the� Bronze

Memorial�Plaque�program�will�be�used�to�further

the�mission�of� the�Army�Women’s�Foundation

and� its� programs.�We� are� currently� accepting

names� and� contributions� for�Plaque�XVII� and

will�continue�to�through�December�31,�2014.«

Bronze MemorialPlaque

The� general� public� rarely� has� the� opportunity� to

speak�with�women�in�today’s�Army.�Army�women

remain�a�mystery�to�most�people.�We�are�trying�to

change�that,�to�put�a�“face”�on�Army�women.�

We� recently� had� a� wonderful� opportunity� to� let

people�see�what�being�an�Army�woman�means.�The

Disney/ESPN�Corporation�used�a�Spring�Training

baseball�game�at�the�Wide�World�of�Sports�complex

in�Orlando�to�honor�military�service.�We�were�one

of� three� non-profits� invited� to� participate� in� this

first�event�of�its�kind.�Our�President,�Major�General

(Ret)� Dee� McWilliams� joined� with� Active� duty,

Reservists,�Guard,�Veterans�and�their�families�from

across�the�area�attended�to�watch�the�Braves�beat

the�Astros�in�a�tight�game.

Thanks� to� 1st� Vice� President� CSM� (Ret)� Cindy

Pritchett,�our�information�table�inside�the�Stadium

was�staffed�by�eight�soldiers�from�the�Orlando�area.

The�volunteers,�all�enlisted�soldiers,�willingly�and

readily� gave� up� their� Saturday� to� represent� the

Army�Women’s�Foundation,�and�to�tell�their�stories.�

These�women�represent�the�women�in�today’s�Army.

Standing�tall,�confident�and�proud�of�their�service

in�the�Army,�they�were�an�impressive�group.�They

shared�their�experiences�with�Disney�staff�and�the

public�who�stopped�by�our�table.�They�spoke�with

parents�who�wanted�to�introduce�their�daughters�to

them.�They�truly�put�a�face�on�women�serving�today.

And�yet,�when�asked�why�these�women�joined�the

Army,� their� answers� are� very� similar� to� the

responses� we� received� when� we� conducted� a

research�study� in�partnership�with�George�Mason

University� several� years� ago.� In� that� study,�Army

women�were�asked�why�they�joined�the�Army.�And

the�number�one�reason�was�to�“serve�my�country.”

The� second� reason� was� to� get� an� education.� The

responses� I� heard� were� the� same.� All� of� the

volunteers�were�motivated�by�patriotism;�and�many

were�taking,�or�had�taken,�advantage�of�educational

programs�in�the�Army.�One�was�working�on�a�college

degree� and� others� had� obtained� them.� The� Army

women�who�served�in�past�years�laid�the�Foundation

for� Army� women� of� today,� just� as� today’s� Army

women�are�doing�for�the�future.�Those�people�who

spoke�with�CSM�Pritchett’s�volunteers�will�not�soon

forget�them.�There�was�no�question�that�the�visitors

went�away�with�new�appreciation�for�the�dedication

and�competence�of�women�in�the�Army.

Wherever�the�Foundation�goes,�we�want�to�tell�the

stories�of�Army�women�and�we�want�to�put�a�“face”

on� the� women� who� serve.� The� Army� Women’s

Foundation�is�here�to�help�spread�the�word�about

the�service�and�sacrifice�of�Army�women.�Mission

accomplished�in�Orlando!�Hooah!

Peggy�Trossen

Executive�Director

From The Executive Director

Page 3: Honoring Service & Sacrifice The Flagpole...Robert Gates and Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey. (continued on page 4) Honoring Service & Sacrifice Spring 2013 The Newsletter

The�Newsletter�of�the�U.S.�Army�Women’s�Foundation Volume�LXIV�No.�1

3

5th Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium

Members,�supporters�and�guests�of�the�U.S.�Army

Women’s� Foundation� gathered� in� Washington,

D.C.,�on�March�12�to�celebrate�the�contributions

women� have� made� to� the� military� and� to� look

toward�their�future�prospects.

The�stories�they�shared�re-enforced�the�patriotic

fabric�of�the�nation�that�women�helped�to�weave,

and� highlighted� still� more� opportunities� for

women�in�military�and�civilian�jobs.

The�Army�Women’s�Foundation�welcomed�about

200� participants� to� its� 5th� Annual� Symposium

and�Hall�of�Fame�awards�and�luncheon�held�in�the

stately� Cannon� Caucus� Room� in� the� Cannon

House�Office�Building�on�Capitol�Hill.�

Each� year,� during�Women’s�History�Month,� the

Foundation�presents� its�annual�Army�Women�in

Transition� symposium,� and� honors� the

contributions� and� achievements� of� women� who

serve�in�the�Army�by�inducting�a�select�few�into�the

Foundation’s� Hall� of� Fame.� This� year’s� Hall� of

Fame�inductees�included�the�women�who�served�in

the�Korean�War�and�“female�firsts”�Gen.�(Ret.)�Ann

Dunwoody;�and�posthumous�honors� to�Sergeant

Major� Carolyn� James,� the� first� female� sergeant

major,� and� Command� Sergeant� Major� Yzetta

Nelson,�the�first�female�Command�Sergeant�Major.�

The�Foundation�also�awards�scholarships�to�help

Army�women�and�their�children�further�prepare

for� their� careers� in� or� out� of� the�military.� This

year,� the� Foundation� awarded� 29� scholarships,

more�scholarships�than�it�ever�has�before,�and�it

expanded�the�list�of�eligible�programs�to�include

certificate� programs.� Sponsorships� from

businesses,�the�Foundation’s�Board�of�Directors,

the�Association�of� the�US�Army,�MG�(Ret.)� Jan

Edmunds,� and� institutes� of� higher� education

helped�to�fund�the�event�and�programs.

While�it�is�tradition�that�the�symposium�occurs�in

March,�this�year�is�unique�because�the�Pentagon

has�lifted�its�policy�that�prohibited�women�from

serving� in� direct� combat� roles.� Over� the� next

several�years,�this�will�present�more�opportunities

for� women� in� the� military.� At� the� same� time,

however,�the�military�will�downsize.

Lieutenant�General�Howard

B.�Bromberg,�Deputy�Chief

of� Staff,� G-1,� US� Army,

delivered�keynote�speech�at

the�symposium.�Foundation

President�Maj.�Gen.� (Ret.)

Dee�Ann�McWilliams,�said

Lt.�Gen.�Bromberg�has�the

reputation� as� “a� soldier’s

soldier.”

Lt.�Gen.�Bromberg�recounted

the�contributions�of�women,

from� Deborah� Samson’s

military� service� in� the

Continental�Army�during�the�American�Revolutionary

War,� to� the� heroic� efforts� of� current� era� soldiers,

including�Silver�Star�recipients�Leigh�Ann�Hester�and

Monica�Brown.

The� common� thread�dating� back� to� 1776� to� the

present� is� one� of� service� and� sacrifice,� where

women�put�the�needs�of�their�fellow�countrymen

first,�Lt.�Gen.�Bromberg�said.

The�theme�for�this�year’s�Army�Women�in�Transition

symposium�was�Re-Focusing Your Future!

Transition,�said�symposium�moderator,�MG�(Ret.)

Donna�Barbisch,�is�about�change.�Life�is�changing,

and�we� can� let� it� happen� to� us,� or�we� can� take

steps�to�shape�the�outcome.�Ending�the�combat

exclusion�rule�may�or�may�not�affect�a�soldier’s

career.�The�end�of�combat�in�the�Middle�East�may

change� opportunities.� Education� can� make� a

difference�to�the�individual�and�the�world,�she�said.

The� symposium� consisted� of� two� panels� that

examined�the�military�and�civilian�opportunities

available�to�women�who�serve�in�the�Army,�and

how�those�women�can�influence�their�futures.�As

CW5� Phyllis� Wilson,� command� chief� warrant

officer�of�the�Army�Reserve�said,�“Changes�are�on

the�horizon�for�women�in�the�military.�Those�with

talent�…�and�drive�will� only�be� limited�by� their

enthusiasm.”

Panel 1, “The Choice is Yours … Or Is It?”

addressed� how� to� adjust� to� and� impact

organizational�changes.

Panel 2, “In or Out, Landing On Your Feet,”

addressed�how�to�map�and�manage�a�career�in�the

military�or�in�the�civilian�sector.

Presenters� shared�common� thoughts�on�several

key�points:

n Lifting�the�policy�that�excludes�women�from

combat� arms� will� create� more� career

opportunities,�but�whether�or�not�the�change�in

policy� affects� each� woman� will� depend� on� her

military�occupation.�At�the�same�time�that�more

opportunities�will�emerge�for�women,�the�Army

will� reduce� its� total� number� of� personnel.� The

downsizing� will� be� conducted� in� an� organized

manner� to� maintain� a� quality� force.� Panelists

encouraged� soldiers� to� seek� mentors� and

leadership�roles�while� in� the�military�and�when

they�transition�to�the�civilian�workforce.

n Plan!� Plan!� Plan!� At� some� point,� every

member�of�the�military�will� leave�service,�either

through�demobilization,�separation�or�retirement.

Service�members�should�begin�preparing�to�move

to� a� civilian� career� long� before� they� anticipate

leaving� the� military.� Searching� for� jobs� in

companies� that� share� their� values,� such� as

teamwork,�can�lead�to�success.�Service�members,

however,�must�be�prepared�for�the�possibility�of

reduced� income� in� civilian� jobs�when� they� first

join�a�company.�One�0-6,�for�example,�earns�less

as�a�civilian�for�performing�the�same�job�she�had

as�an�Army�officer.

n The� VOW� Act� has� been� helpful� in� that� it

requires� the� services� to� better� prepare�military

members� to� transition� to� civilian� employment.

Even�soldiers�who�have�committed� to�a�civilian

employer�still�take�part�in�the�Army’s�mandatory

transition�program.�The�program�helps�soldiers

write� resumes,� network,� learn� to� market

themselves�and�build�their�skills.

n Many� companies� want� to� hire� veterans� but

don’t�always�know�how�to�find�the�job�candidates.

There� are� a� number� of� resources� to� connect

veterans� to� prospective� employers,� including

DoD’s�Hero�2�Hired�website,�(https://h2h.jobs),

where�employers�can�post�job�openings�on�the�site.

n Some�companies�that�have�made�a�strategic

effort� to� hire� veterans� have� Human� Resources

programs� that� reflect� an� understanding� of� the

qualifications� of� military� members� and� the

uniqueness�of�military�service.

n Successful� programs� exist� to� help� prepare

troops�for�civilian�jobs.�One�such�program�is�with

the� American� pipefitters� union,� which� offers

courses�to�troops�at�some�military�installations�to

prepare�troops�for�jobs�as�journeymen.

At�the�start�of� the�Hall�of�Fame�inductions�that

followed�the�symposium,�Gen.�(Ret.)�Gordon�R.

Sullivan,�president�and�chief�executive�officer�of

the�Association�of� the�United�States�Army,�said

that�throughout�the�nation’s�history,�women�have

contributed�their�talents�and�given�their�lives�for

their�country.�

Women� rose� to� the� challenge� in� intelligence,

aviation,� command� and� other� jobs� during� war

and�peace.

“It�hasn’t�been�easy,”�he�said.�“You�need�to�know

that�people�like�me�value�your�sacrifices�for�your

country�…�Being�a�soldier�is�not�easy�for�anybody.”

The� dedication� of� women� to� this� country� was

apparent�even�to�our�enemies�at�the�birth�of�the

nation,� Sullivan� said,� when� British� General

Charles� Cornwallis� commented� during� the

Revolutionary�War,�“�‘We�may�destroy�all�the�men

in�America,�and�we�shall�still�have�all�we�can�do�to

defeat�the�women.’�”«Lt. General Howard

Bromberg, Deputy

Chief of Staff,

G-1, US Army

Re-Focusing Your Future!

CW5 Phyllis Wilson, Command Chief

Warrant Officer of the Army Reserve

Panel 1: Moderator MG (Ret) Donna Barbisch, USAR;

Capt. Elise Hackstall, USAR, Walmart;

COL R. Jean Whalen, AN, Warrior Transition;

CW5 Phyllis Wilson, Command Chief

Warrant Officer of the Army Reserve

Panel 2: Moderator MG (Ret) Donna Barbisch, USAR;

Jennifer Poythress and LaShon Wilson of BPW

Joining Forces Mentoring Plus; Beryle Stipe,

Home Depot; COL (Ret) Kevin Preston,

The Walt Disney Company

The panelists of the 5th Annual

Army Women in Transition Symposium

Page 4: Honoring Service & Sacrifice The Flagpole...Robert Gates and Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey. (continued on page 4) Honoring Service & Sacrifice Spring 2013 The Newsletter

Spring�2013 The�Flagpole

4

The� Army� Women’s� Foundation� honoredCongressman� J.� Randy� Forbes� at� a� ceremony� onCapitol�Hill�on�March�12.

During� a� networking� break� between� the� annualsymposium� and� the� Hall� of� Fame� luncheon,� theFoundation�recognized�Forbes’�longtime�support�ofthe�Army�Women’s�Foundation�and�the�US�military.�

The�congressman�has�been�a�forceful�advocate�of�astrong� national� defense� and� is� a� leading� voice� incalling� for� the� end� of� defense� budget� cuts� that� areknown�as�sequestration.�The�cuts�were�required�underlaw� that� Congress� passed� in� 2011.� He� also� hasconsistently�secured�the�space�for�the�Foundation’sannual� symposium� and� luncheon� in� the� CannonHouse�Office�Building.

Forbes,� a� Republican� who� represents� Chesapeake,Virginia,�chairs�the�Seapower�and�Projection�ForcesSubcommittee� of� the� House� Armed� ServicesCommittee.�He�called�for�greater�support�of�militarymembers� and� an� end� to� the� defense� budgetreductions.� Those� reductions� started� even� beforesequestration�and�endanger�service�members,�he�said.�

The�congressman�called�for�a�larger�defense�budget�sothat�no�man�or�woman�should�be�sent�into�harm’s�wayunless� they� are� properly� resourced,� trained� andequipped�so�that�they�have�the�highest�chance�possiblethat� they� will� return� home.� He� said,� too,� that� thecountry�must�keep�its�promises�to�veterans.

Congressman�Forbes�complimented�the�Foundation’swork,�saying,�“It’s�far�bigger�than�I�think�many�of�yourealize.”�«

AWF RecognizesCongressman Randy Forbes

Highlights and Notable Quotes

Female Firsts: Trailblazers in the U.S. Army (continued from page 1)

Among�her�other�notable�firsts,�she�became�the�first

woman�to�command�a�battalion�in�the�82nd�Airborne

Division�in�1992.�She�became�Fort�Bragg’s�first�female

general�officer�in�2000.�She�became�the�first�woman�to

command�the�Combined�Arms�Support�Command�at

Fort�Lee,�Virginia� in�2004.�Gen�Dunwoody� retired

from�the�Army�on�August�15,�2012.

In�her�acceptance�speech,�Gen�Dunwoody�thanked�the

Foundation�for�the�recognition�and�induction,�she�said

she�was�“humbled�to�be�joining�such�a�distinguished

group�of�Patriots…”��She�recognized�the�“incredible

cohort�of�women”�who�came�into�the�Army�at�the�same

time�she�did,�many�of�whom�were�in�the�room�as�they

were� the�brand�new�group�of�2nd�Lieutenants� that

were�the�first�to�lead�integrated�platoons.

Gen� Dunwoody� also� thanked� the� “generations� of

incredible�women�who�went�before�us�as�they�set�the

conditions�and�enforced�the�standards�that�led�to�the

opportunities�that�we�enjoy�today.�You�have�given�all

women�who�seek�to�serve�their�country�a�gift�beyond

measure—the�gift�of�unlimited�opportunity.”

She� acknowledged� today’s� active� duty� force

opportunities�and�challenges,�giving�them�this�advice,

“Find� your� passion;� have� an� unwavering� belief� in

yourself;�work�hard;� and�maybe�most� importantly,

always�do�the�right�thing�for�the�right�reason.”

Gen�Dunwoody�reflected�on�the�fact�that�she�was�not

really� ready� for� the� enormity� of� the� event� of� her

promotion�to�General�until�the�barrage�of�cards�and

letters� started� to� arrive.� She� received� letters� from

people�of�all�ages�and�walks�of�life�stating�how�happy

they�were�that�the�day�had�finally�arrived�for�the�Army

to�promote�a�woman�to�their�highest�grade.�She�read

a� portion� of� a� letter� she� received� from� a� Master

Sergeant�she�had�served�with�at�Fort�Bragg.�It�said

“Now�you�get�to�pin�on�our�nation’s�highest�military

rank� and� I� get� to� tell� my� five� and� seven� year-old

daughters�that�they�really�can�be�anything�they�want

to�be—even�a�general�in�the�United�States�Army.”

She�concluded�her�remarks�by�thanking�everyone�again

and�by�asking�the�audience�to�pray�for�the�deployed

men�and�women�for�their�success�and�safe�return.

Finally,� Major� General� (Ret)� Dee� McWilliams,

President�of�the�Army�Women’s�Foundation,�accepted

the�honor�on�behalf�of�the�Women�Who�Served�in�the

Korean�War.�Brigadier�General�(Ret)�Anna�Mae�Hays

was�scheduled�to�receive�the�honor�on�behalf�of�her

Korean� War� counterparts,� but� could� not� be� in

attendance� the� day� of� the� ceremony.� During� the

Korean�War,�BG�Hays�mobilized�with�the�4th�Field

Hospital� in� 1950�and�participated� in� the�notorious

Inchon�landing.�On�June�11,�1970,�she�became�the�first

woman�and�first�nurse�in�American�military�history�to

attain�general�officer�rank.�She�retired�in�1971.

This�year’s�induction�of�the�Army�Women�Who�Served

the�Korean�War�marks�the�60th�anniversary�of� the

conflict.� Although� this� conflict� is� often� called� “the

forgotten�war,”�it�marked�a�turning�point�for�American

Servicewomen� as� they� gained� increasingly� higher

positions�and�served�close�to�the�front�lines.�«

“It’s far bigger than I think many of yourealize.” —�Congressman�J.�Randy�Forbes,�R-Va.�on�the�work�of�the�Foundation.

“Changes are on the horizon for womenin the military. Those with talent … anddrive will only be limited by theirenthusiasm.” —�Chief�Warrant�Officer�5Phyllis�Wilson,�Command�Chief�WarrantOfficer�of�the�Army�Reserve,�commenting�onfuture�opportunities�for�women.

“We’re not going to put women or malesin positions where they are not set up forsuccess.” — LTG�Howard�Bromberg,�DeputyChief�of�Staff,�Army�G-1,�describing�theorganized�process�of�opening�new�combat�jobsto�women.

“Our Army women did it without thanks,they did it without awards, and they didit in an increasingly hostile environmentwith mixed messages coming from home– in a land that most Americans hadnever heard of, Korea.” —�Fred�Wacker,Director�&�COO,�The�Home�Depot�Foun-dation,�acknowledging�the�support�andmedical�care�Army�women�provided�to�UStroops�in�the�Korean�War.

“Find your passion; have an unwaveringbelief in yourself; work hard; and maybemost importantly, always do the rightthing for the right reason.” —�General(Ret.)�Ann�Dunwoody,�the�first�female�4-star,offering�advice�for�success.

BG (Ret) Gary Profit, Senior Director Military

Programs, Walmart, Randy Forbes, Congressman

from the Fourth District of VA, MG (Ret) Dee

McWilliams, and LTG (Ret) Mike McDuffie, Microsoft

Leon Harris, News Anchor,

ABC 7/WJLA-TV Washington D.C.

General Gordon Sullivan, USA (Ret),

former Chief of Staff of the Army and

President of the Association of the U.S. Army

Hall of Fame Awards

MG Dee McWilliams, USA (Ret), President, AWF

MG Dee McWilliams, USA (Ret) and Fred Wacker,

Director & COO, The Home Depot Foundation, and

Retired Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth Preston

accepting the Hall of Fame Award on behalf of

deceased CSM Yzetta Nelson and SGM Carolyn Jones

Peggy Trossen, Executive Director, AWF

Page 5: Honoring Service & Sacrifice The Flagpole...Robert Gates and Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey. (continued on page 4) Honoring Service & Sacrifice Spring 2013 The Newsletter

The�Newsletter�of�the�U.S.�Army�Women’s�Foundation Volume�LXIV�No.�1

5

The�Foundation’s�Legacy�Scholarship�program�recognizes

the�importance�of�education�by�providing�financial�support

toward�under-graduate�degrees�to�Army�women�and�their

lineal� descendents.� Scholarships� are� based� on� merit,

academic�potential,�community�service�and�need�and�are

evaluated�by�the�AWF�Scholarship�Committee.�For�more

information,�visit�www.awfdn.org.

Twenty-nine�deserving�Army�women�and� their� children,

selected�from�an�applicant�pool�from�across�the�country,

received� the� Army� Women’s� Foundation� 2013� Legacy

Scholarship.� College� tuition� is� on� the� rise� and� financial

resources� are� declining,�making� scholarships� even�more

critical� to� students� today.� The� Legacy� Scholarships� are

available� for� tuition�assistance�at� the�community�college

level� or� four� year� academic� institutions:� Community

College/Certificate� Program� Legacy� Scholarships� are

awarded� in� amounts� up� to� $1,000.� Four� Year

College/University� Legacy� Scholarships� are� awarded� in

amounts�up�to�$2,500.

2013 AWF Legacy Scholarship Winners

Patricia Baisden Vicky Henderson Monica Holmes Bianca Jennings Chelsy Kovski-Swann Elizabeth Leneski Kelly Miller

Sharon O’Hara Sonja Reynolds Juanita Toomer Dezerae Valdez Rebekah Whitney JoAnn Wilbert

4-Year College

Community College/Certificate Program

Samantha Albertson Oscar Barrera Elizabeth Boynton Marcus Brumfield Paige Campbell Adrienne Gray Mishalei Griffith

Christa Higgins Kelly Loftus Taylor Merchant Jose’ Pagan Ashley Ross Cynthia Stinnett Christina Sung

Kristin Trim Christina Walker

Page 6: Honoring Service & Sacrifice The Flagpole...Robert Gates and Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey. (continued on page 4) Honoring Service & Sacrifice Spring 2013 The Newsletter

6

Support the Foundation!An�annual�contribution�of�$25�or�more�entitles�you�and/or�your�Friend�to�receive�our�semi-annual�newsletter,�notices�of�events�and�reunions,�and�program�updates.

Name: ___________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________

Rank�(if�any): ___________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________

Donation Amount: $_______________�, directed as follows: (Check�one,�or�if�more�than�one,�specify�amounts�for�each.)

_______________�Program�Support�&�General�Operations

_______________�Bronze�Plaque�Memorial�Fund*��(Rank�and/or�Name�of�honoree:�_________________________________________________��)

_______________�Museum�Support

*Individuals�or�organizations�may�establish�a�memorial�fund�for�a�specific�person.�The�deceased�individual’s�name�is�placed�on�a�bronzed�memorial�plaque�once�the�minimum�$100�donation�is�reached.

The�Memorial�Plaque�is�dedicated�every�two�years—the�current�plaque�will�run�from�Jan.�1,�2013–Dec.�31,�2014;�you�may�add�names�of�persons�who�died�in�an�earlier�period.

Person to be Acknowledged: Method of Payment:

(Recipient�of�Friend’s�gift�or�next�of�kin�for�Memorial�Fund)� o Check�(payable�to�U.S.�Army�Women’s�Foundation)

Name: ___________________________________________ o Visa��������������oMasterCard��������������o Discover

Rank�(if�any): ___________________________________________ Credit�Card�#: ___________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________ Name�on�card: ___________________________________________

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Relationship�to�honoree: ___________________________________________ Verification�Code: _______________________________�(on�back�of�card)

The�U.S.�Army�Women’s�Foundation�is�a�501(c)(3)�organization�and�your�contributions�are�tax�deductible.�Thank�you�for�your�support!�

Mail or fax this form to: U.�S.�Army�Women’s�Foundation��/��P.O.�Box�5030��/��Fort�Lee,�Virginia�23801-0300 / FAX: (804)�734-3077

April 21,�Marmora,�NJVietnam Veterans Tribute

http://www.awfdn.org/events/upcoming.shtml

May 8-9,�Richmond,�VAAUSA’s ILW Army Sustainment Symposium and

Exposition

www.ausa.org/meetings/2013

May 11,�Arlington,�VANational Museum of the United States Army Staff Ride:

War of 1812

armyhistory.org/events/

May 18,�Casper,�WYPromoting�Our�Women�Warriors�of�Wyomingwww.cheyenne.va.gov/

June 13-18,�Tampa,�FL33rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games

www.va.gov/opa/speceven/wcg/index.asp

June 15,�Boston,�MAMassachusetts Conference for Women Veterans

www.mass.gov/veterans/women-veterans/conference-women-veterans/conference-for-women-vets.html

June 17-19,�Kansas�City,�MOAUSA ILW Mission Command Symposium

www.ausa.org/meetings/2013/

June 27,�Joint�Base�Andrews,�MDWomen Veterans Interactive 2013 Women Veterans

Golf Tournament

www.womenveteransinteractive.org/events.html

July 4,�NationwideIndependence Day

August 22-24,�Scottsdale,�AZWomen’s Army Corps Veterans’ Association 2013 67th

Annual Convention “ARMY WOMEN — PIONEERS”

www.armywomen.org/pdf/2013Convention.pdf

September 19,�Arlington,�VAMilitary Women in Transition Career Coaching

Workshop

academywomen.org/events

September 20-21,�Arlington,�VAOfficer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS)

academywomen.org/events

November 9-11,�Washington,�DCVietnam Women's Memorial 20th Anniversary

Celebration

www.vietnamwomensmemorial.org/upcoming.php

Be�sure�to�visit�the�U.S.�Army�Women's�Museum�forupcoming�events!�www.awm.lee.army.mil

Upcoming Events

Army�Women’s�Foundation

P.O.�Box�5030�Fort�Lee,�VA�23801-0030

Phone:�804-734-3078

Fax:�804-734-3077

Email:�[email protected]

Web:�www.awfdn.org

FP Spring13

The Flagpole is�published�by�the�U.S.�Army�Women’s�Foundation.�Views�and�opinions�are�those�of�the�authors�and�do�not�necessarily�reflect�those�of�the�Department�of�the�Army�or�Department�of�Defense.

Managing Editor: Peggy�Trossen;��Editor: April�Booth;��Contributing Editors: Dee�McWilliams,�Jenelle�Roberts,�Brenda�Armitage,�Debbie�Funk;�Design: Saros�Design

©�U.S.�Army�Women’s�Foundation�except�where�credit�is�otherwise�noted.

Army Women’s FoundationEst.�1969

Honoring�Service�and�Sacrifice

P.O.�Box�5030

Fort�Lee,�VA��23801-0030

Phone (804)�734-3078

Fax (804)�734-3077

[email protected]

www.AWFDN.org

While�visiting�our�website,�check�out�our�online�giftshop!

Board of DirectorsExecutive Council

Dee�Ann�McWilliams,�President

Cindy�Pritchett,�1st�Vice�President

Mary�Spring,�2nd�Vice�President

Belinda�Pinckney,�Treasurer

Diana�Huron,�Secretary

Members

Alice�Demarais Arlene�Greenfield

Doriot�Mascarich Vicki�Merryman

Jenelle�Roberts Isabelle�Slifer

Foundation StaffExecutive Director

Peggy�Trossen�([email protected])

Chief Administrative Officer

April�Booth�([email protected])

Administrative Associate

Brenda�Armitage�([email protected])